THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM Vol. 6 No. 4 July, 1981

THE JOURNAL OF THE
NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM
FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Vol. 6 No. 4
July, 1981
CONTENTS
Editorial ..............................................................................................................
80
The Annual General Meeting ...................................................................................
80
Treasurer's Report and Accounts ..............................................................................
81
Membership Renewal 1981/82 ..................................................................................
82
Future Programme ................................................................................................. 83
Letters to the Editor ...............................................................................................
83
A Dutch Link with Northumberland ................................................... Mrs. V. A. Corno 84
The Society of Genealogists ...................................................................... S. G. Smith 85
When the Fog Lifts ................................................................................ Alan Wright 88
Strays in Canterbury Diocese ...................................................................................
89
Northumbrians in Garrigill - 1851 ..............................................................................
90
Parish Registers and Genetics in Coquetdale ................................................................
91
The Catchside Connection .................................................................... William Lamb 92
Looking Back .............................................................................. David J. Anderson
93
Darlington Evening Classes .....................................................................................
93
Border Descent ........................................................................... Alfred J. Coulthard 94
Cumberland and Westmorland Strays .........................................................................
95
My Elusive Great-Grandfather ............................................................... Jean Lambert 96
Book Review: A Guide to Wills ................................................................................
98
Know Your Parish: VIII: Heworth, County Durham ................................... John Turnbull 99
Members and their Interests .....................................................................................
99
Second Time Around ............................................................................................. 102
Offers of Help ....................................................................................................... 102
Changes of Address ............................................................................................... 102
ALL ITEMS IN THIS JOURNAL ©1981 NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
OR ITS CONTRIBUTORS
ADDRESSES
General Correspondence and EnquiriesThe Secretary, Mr. W. Mantey, 178 Trewhitt Road, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE6 5DY
Letters and Articles for the Journal (Except `Members Interests' and `Second Time Around')The Editor, Mr. A. Bunting, 17 Moor Place, Gosforth, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 4AL
Items for `Members Interests' and `Second Time Around'Mrs. A. Spendiff,17 Augustus Drive, BEDLINGTON, Northumberland NE22 6LF
New Members, Applications for MembershipThe Membership Secretary, Mrs. A. Power, 94 Marsden Road, SOUTH SHIELDS, Tyne & Wear NE34 6RL
Requests for Books from the Society LibraryThe Librarian, Mr. R. Hewitson, 20 Coverdale Road, STOCKTON ON TEES, Cleveland TS19 7EA
Subscription Renewals, Changes of Address, Accounts and other financial matters:
The Treasurer, Mr. J. G. Scott, 33 Bywell Close, Crawcrook, RYTON, Tyne & Wear NE40 4XD
Future Programme suggestionsMr. A. Angus, `River View', Mitford, MORPETH, Northumberland NE613PR
Monumental InscriptionsMr. G. Nicholson, 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU.
PLEASE ALWAYS ENCLOSE A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR YOUR REPLY (TWO INTERNATIONAL
REPLY COUPONS FROM OVERSEAS MEMBERS) AND QUOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
EDITORIAL
Once again your Journal was late, this time because of a very big delay in the delivery of those
plastic envelopes in which it arrives on your doorstep. As this is the last edition of the present Volume,
I should like to thank all those concerned in the production of the Journal, and especially our typists
who must have one of the most thankless tasks in the Society. Pat Storey and Hazel McAlwane have
now been joined by Yvonne Armstrong, and with John Turnbull taking over the posting job, and John
Scott helping with layout and detailed editing, I hope that we shall be able to continue to produce a
high-quality Journal, capable of catering to all the needs of its readership.
Next, one or two pieces of news: Newcastle Central Library has acquired a copy of the 1978
, edition' of the CFI Microfiche, mainly of baptisms, for Durham and Northumberland. Members will
appreciate the big saving in time that can be made using this valuable genealogical tool, but do
remember that it is not a complete list of all baptisms, nor does it contain all the information contained
in the original entries.
The second piece of news is less welcome. St. Catherine's House has raised its prices once again
and the new rates are as follows:
£4.00
£2.00
£2.00
£8.50
£6.50
Full Certificates (personal application) (BMD)
Short Certificates (Birth only)
` Checks'
Postal application for full certificate
Postal application for short certificates
Late census search (1881; 1891; 1901) increase to £14.95 per address. Remember, entries from as
long ago as 1837 cost £8.50; it is surely time to make access to all records over 100 years old free for
researchers. The situation at St. Catherine's House is a disgraceful anomaly that must be abolished as
soon as is humanly possible.
Finally, a word on copy dates: in order to standardise procedure, I should like to ask all
contributors to have their typed copy sent to me so as to arrive no later than the first day of the month
before publication of the Journal. Manuscript submissions should be with me roughly a fortnight
before that date. Copy dates will therefore be as follows:
January Journal: 1st December
April Journal: 1st March
July Journal: 1st June
October Journal: 1st September
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Only twenty-four members were present at the Y.M.C.A. on 13th May to hear the reports from
committee members, and to accept the annual accounts. After the Chairman's opening remarks, John
Scott presented the balance-sheet, which showed that an increase in subscription income had been
partly offset, as forecast, by an increase in postal expenses. There will, however, be no need to
increase the subscription for 1982 although an increase for 1983 will almost certainly be necessary.
Our membership has had a net increase of almost a hundred to 768 (as of the 2nd May). The
balance-sheet was duly accepted by the meeting.
Bill Mantey then gave the Secretary's report, making a number of important points. With large
increases in membership, all the committee members' tasks are becoming increasingly onerous. Bill,
for instance, receives about a hundred letters per month, many containing `impossible' requests, all of
them requiring some sort of action. He said that more volunteers were needed to help spread the load,
and Mrs Yvonne Armstrong kindly offered to assist with organising the work for compilation of the
Directory of Interests. Ann Power has agreed to continue with the job of Membership Secretary for
another year, and will hope to be `grooming' someone for the job, to take over in May 1982.
One disappointing piece of news was that the 1881 Census will not be purchased by either
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, or Durham Record Offices, owing to lack of funds. Newcastle
Central Library will be obtaining the census microfilm for the City area and its immediate
surroundings, but we will have to wait until 1982 before it is available.
The meeting as a whole felt that more must be done in order to forward the aims of the Society.
Following the Treasurer's and Secretary's reports, there was some discussion of the Society's
problems - lack of communication, the apparent lack of willingness to participate in projects, and so
on. The Chairman welcomed the points raised by members which included a suggestion that some way
be found of demonstrating the art of Monumental Inscription recording. Another point discussed was
that of publications. It was agreed that we should continue to produce printed copies of records, and
there was quite a lot of discussion as to just what should be published - Monumental Inscription
copies, Census returns, or Parish Registers.
The meeting concluded with the feeling that more would be done to record and index records for
posterity, and the Journal will play an important role in disseminating information on future activities.
TREASURER'S REPORT
As anticipated by Don Mason when giving this report last year, the Society managed to break even
for the year to 31 August 1980; the surplus of £54 shown in the accounts is entirely attributable to the
fact that provisions made for taxation and audit fees in previous accounts were not in fact required.
The recent increase in subscription levels will enable us to hold our own during the current year,
although the cost of producing and distributing the second edition of the Directory of Members'
Interests - which we hope to publish during the Summer of 1981 - may well oblige us to dip into our
reserves. The cost of production of the Journal, which is now typeset, printed and collated
commercially, has increased from 30p to 33p per copy, but this increase is offset by the reduction - or
more correctly the reduced increase - in postal cost made possible by condensing the Journal to 24
pages.
As the costs associated with the Directory will not recur in 1981/82, we are able to hold subscriptions
at their present level for a further year, but it is anticipated that a modest increase may be necessary in
1982/83.
A total of 193 new members have been enrolled since the last Annual Meeting, and the current net
total membership is 768 as against 669 at the same time last year; of the current total, 151 are overseas
members.
The growth in membership is of course gratifying, but the consequent increase in the workload
borne by your committee, all of whom are unpaid volunteers, is fast reaching intolerable proportions;
unless more of our local members come forward to share the burden, one can forsee the necessity of
seeking paid assistance which would inevitably be reflected in increased subscription rates.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT AS AT 31 AUGUST 1980
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 AUGUST 1980
1979
INCOME
Subscriptions received
Journal & Publication Sales
Donations
Building Society Interest
Bank Interest
Provisions Not Required
EXPENDITURE
Journal Production
Postage
Meeting Expenses
Stationery
FFHS
Publications for Resale
Library Additions
Bank Charges
Provision for Taxation
Provision for Audit Fee
Publications Reserve
SURPLUS FOR YEAR
1628
472
19
128
54
2301
911
681
80
39
35
312
2
6
180
1448
153
13
15
60
1689
866
443
48
11
12
7
2247
54
27
20
180
1614
75
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 1980
CURRENT ASSETS
Sundry Debtors
Officers' Floats
Building Society Account
Bank Deposit Account No 1
Bank Deposit Account No 2
Current Account
Cash in Hand
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Sundry Creditors
Subscriptions in Advance
Provision for Taxation
NET CURRENT ASSETS
PUBLICATIONS RESERVE
Balance Brought Forward
Provision for Year
Sale of Directories
1979
68
48
1500
199
155
69
39
180
841
284
2039
11
1151
1162
877
83
564
34
-~
351
180
681
663
158
180
13
351
Net Publishing Costs
531
20
511
ACCUMULATED GENERAL RESERVE
Balance Brought Forward
Surplus for Year
312
54
366
NET TOTAL OF RESERVES
1344
877
351
237
75
312
663
I have examined the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account and consider them to be in accordance with
the books and records maintained by the Northumberland & Durham Family History Society.
10 Market Place
HEXHAM
Northumberland NE461XF
D Mason
Hon. Auditor
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 1981/82
Subscriptions for 1981/82 are due on or before 1 September 1981, and as in previous years the
October issue of the Journal will be despatched only to those members whose subscriptions have been
renewed; to save expense no other receipt will be issued. The renewal form is enclosed with this
Journal - libraries and institutions will receive an invoice instead - and this year the form is printed on
thin card and will be stored in a card index; this card therefore should not be folded.
The processing of last year's renewals was the first task undertaken by your present Treasurer; he is
now an older man and wiser, and to preserve his sanity in the coming months members are asked to
bear in mind the following fervent pleas!
Firstly, when should you pay your subscription? Last year, less than half of our members had paid
by 1 September, although many late renewers enclosed notes expressing the hope that the delay
would not cause inconvenience. The answer, we regret to say, is that late renewals do cause a great
deal of inconvenience, particularly those received after the October Journal has been distributed, so
please don't delay - renew today!
Secondly, what about other enquiries and correspondence? We realise that the renewal letter is the
only direct contact between many of our members and the Society, and that it may well be convenient
to enclose other correspondence with the renewal form. The Treasurer would be happy to pass on
such correspondence, but members are asked to check the first page of this Journal to identify the
officer to whom their correspondence should- be directed, and to write to each such officer on a
separate sheet of paper clearly headed with the name and address of the officer concerned. Your
assistance in this respect will be very much appreciated, and will help us to help you.
And finally, how should you pay your subscription? United Kingdom members are asked to pay by
cheque or postal order payable to "NDFHS". Overseas members should also pay in Sterling currency
wherever possible; Sterling postal orders are available in Canada, Australia and New Zealand and
elsewhere most banks will be able to supply Banker's Drafts redeemable in Sterling at a United
Kingdom bank. Again, the postal orders or drafts should be made payable to - ND FHS".
If it is impossible to pay in Sterling, cheques in local currency will be accepted, but these should be
made payable to "Northumberland & Durham Family History Society", and this title should not be
abbreviated in any way. It costs the Society an average of 60p each to convert such cheques, and
members paying in local currency for Surface Mail or Airmail membership should accordingly pay the
l ocal equivalent of £4.60 or £8.60 respectively.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1981/82
United Kingdom & BFPC
Overseas (Surface Mail) and Europe
Overseas (Airmail)
Family Membership (Additional to above)
£3.00
£4.00
£8.00
£1.00
Family Membership entitles additional members of the same family living at the same address to
full membership if the Society, including the right to have interests or requests for assistance
published in the Journal, but only one copy of the Journal will be sent to each family.
FUTURE PROGRAMME
Thursday, September 17th
Mr A. Buchanan will talk on his researches into his family tree.
Y.M.C.A. Building, Ellison Place, Newcastle, 7.15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14th
Mr Stan Beckensall will talk on `Place Names in North-East England'.
Y.M.C.A. Building, Ellison Place, Newcastle, 7.15 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11th
Speaker to be announced.
Y.M.C.A. Building, Ellison Place, Newcastle, 7.15 p.m.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Go to Biddick!
Mrs Jean Lambert, of 141 Brodie Avenue, Liverpool L18 4RG, whose article "My Elusive Greatgrandfather" appears elsewhere in this Journal, writes: "I was very interested in the article about the
October meeting (Journal, Vol 6, No. 2, p. 33), which mentioned Biddick.
My grand-mother, when she wished to consign someone to an unpleasant place, always said "Oh,
go to Biddick!". For many years I thought that Biddick didn't exist, was only a euphemism, until I
found it one day on a map when I was looking for something else. Now I realise that the expression had
some foundation in fact!"
Dulcibella
Mrs J. Comyn of 15 St. John's Mansions, Clapton Square, London E.5, writes: "I wonder whether it
would be possible for me to enquire of your members, through the medium of your Journal, whether
any of them have any knowledge of the use of the Christian name Dulcibella, now most unusual but at
one time apparently quite common in certain families. It had descended through the female line in my
husband's family since the beginning of the 17th Century, and its use has been very helpful to me, as a
searcher, in linking various branches of the family together.
I would be most interested if members could let me have details of any incidences they find
(postage refunded) so that I can try to trace some of the early holders."
Editor's Note: Mrs Comyn included a pedigree of the families of MORTON, EDEN, BURNEY,and COMYN, mostly of
County Durham, which unfortunately we have no room to print. They are descended from Richard BADDELEY, Esq., whose
daughter, the `original' Dulcibella, married the Revd. Joseph NAYLOR of Sedgefield (d. 1677) and whose daughter Dulcibella
married the Revd. Dr. John MORTON? 1644-1722. The name Dulcibella has been tamed down to modern times through
many branches of the family.
The Burnicles
Mrs Ada Burnicle, (Member No. 1050), of 28 The Avenue, Nunthorpe Station, Middlesbrough,
Cleveland, TS7 OAR, writes: "My husband and I have been researching the name of
BURNICLEBURNIKELL for over a year now. We have been studying our local records (mainly
Marske and Redcar) and have quite a big family tree to date. How we started might make interesting
reading.
For vears I have heard my husband's family saying with conviction, "Yes, the Burnicles are related
to Captain James Cook." An old Middlesbrough doctor had told Grandma Burnicle years ago. It
wasn't until we went to look in Captain Cook's Museum at Stewart Park, Marton, and picked up a
Genealogy Book of the Cook family, that our curiosity was aroused. In this book there is a large
family of Burnicles listed. Even then we didn't know how or where to begin to trace back to our
namesakes, but I joined a course on Family History at Redcar.
My husband only knew that his grand-father married the blacksmith's daughter from Piercebridge
but he didn't know when.
A visit to Durham Record Office located his marriage and we were surprised to see that his
great-grand-father was called Edward and classed as a fitter. My husband always thought his
great-grand-father was John, and a sea-captain.
It seems our ancestors all originated from Marske-by-Sea and there are records back to 1684 and
odd ones back to 1570.
But what about the Captain Cook connection?
A certain John Burnicle, (son of Robert and Sarah married at Upleatham) married Ann Carter,
the grand-daughter of Captain Cook's sister Margaret. John and Ann married in 1814 and had a large
family at Bishopwearmouth. The only link with my husband is that he and John share the same
ancestor, William of 1864.
However I am convinced that, in the County of Durham today, there are descendants of this
Burnicle (Burnikell) family who are unaware of their connection with the Cook family - for instance,
James Fleck Burnicle, a Solicitor from Sunderland, (died 1930), certainly was.
I would like to be able to link the Burnicles of today with that distant family. There is a big gap to
bridge, but I think I can do it.".
A DUTCH LINK WITH NORTHUMBERLAND
Mrs V. A. Corno
My English ancestors, Armstrongs and Bells of Northumberland, seem to present for me far more
problems than my ancestors from overseas! My mother died when I was quite small, also all of her
family during the last war, and I am left with a few faded photographs.
I knew my grandmother Cornelia Alberdina Pluis was Dutch, and that she married my grandfather
John James Bell in Jesmond, Newcastle in 1884;1 traced her death at St. Catherine's House, and then
knew the year of her birth. A cousin remembered her birthplace, Groningen, in northern Holland. I
wrote to enquire, and in return received a request from the Rijksarchief in de Provencie Groningen
for f-2.; a week later I received a letter containing details of Cornelia's birth, also her ancestors, their
ages when they died, their occupations - corn measurer, cheese maturer, butcher, etc. - and the village
where they lived. One of the families named van Bolhuis, the Rijksarchief tells me, was a famous
family in the provincie, and can be traced back some hundreds of years. A few weeks later I received a
photostat extract from the Births book, showing the entry of Cornelia's birth, and it was signed by my
great-grandfather, Popko Rabbes Pluis.
My family are suspicious when I suggest an unusual destination for a holiday, in case we have
ancestors that originate there; but a few years ago we spent an enjoyable holiday camping in Holland,
and we visited Groningen, where I checked the telephone directories for the surname Pluis. There
were four, so plucking up courage, I tried the phone numbers, and the second was successful. I spoke
to a lady who asked if I would talk to her daughter, who spoke English very well. I told her about my
grandmother and her name, Cornelia Alberdina Pluis. Imagine my surprise when she told me her
grandmother was Cornelia Alberdina Annette Pluis, (grandmother named her eldest daughter
Annette)! We visited the family, and spent an interesting time talking to them. We also visited their
uncle aged eighty-two, the eldest member of their family. Unfortunately we had language difficulties,
but he explained that his father told him of his sister Cornelia, who went to live in England: this
gentleman and my mother were first cousins!
We still correspond with our Dutch cousins, and my family tree now has quite a collection of
interesting names added to it. The Dutch branch dates back to 1752, a bargain for £2. !
THE SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS
Sidney. G. Smith
First time visitors to the library of the Society of Genealogists in London are normally overwhelmed
by the mass of genealogical reference books, indexes, micro-films and parish register transcripts with
which they are confronted as they walk through the entrance. So much so that my impression, at least,
is that much time and energy is wasted in simply finding one's way about, and little benefit is derived
from their first visit. This article is therefore designed for just such a visitor, who perhaps has only a
single day - or even a few hours - in which to take advantage of this unique library.
Founded in 1911, the Society was the forerunner of all the modern family history societies which
have sprouted up in the last ten years. It has of course its shortcomings, and the cramped conditions in
which the searcher finds himself can be rather off-putting, especially if he has been used to a modern
provincial county record office. Indeed, many would argue that it was the failure of the Society in the
1970's to cope with the massive rise in interest in family history that gave impetus to the growth of local
societies, and to a certain extent, this is probably true. The premises remain very unsatisfactory, and
lack of seating is a problem, especially in the busy months of the summer. The staff will help by
directing you to your place of search, but you cannot expect them to spend a great deal of time
showing you around. If you feel that they do not seem too concerned with your particular problem,
remember that this tiny staff has to cope with hundreds of letters and telephone calls each week, as
well as the thousands of personal callers during the year. How often they must tire of that perennial
question: "Where do I go from here?"
Having said all that, do not let me put you off. The library is after all unique! In no other library or
record office can the searcher freely pick and choose parish register transcripts for all parts of the
country from the open shelves. The entrance fees for non-members are still very reasonable when you
consider that not only are there about 6000 parish registers available, but also numerous indexes, poll
books, directories, and a vast amount of source material covering every subject from the records of
professions to heraldry and the peerage. The current search fees for non-members are £2 for one
hour, £4 for 3 1/z hours or£6 for a day. On Wednesdays and Thursdays the library stays open till 8 p.m.,
but it is closed all day on Mondays, and of course on bank holidays. It does however have the
advantage of being open on Saturdays for the weekend visitor to London. If you feel that you may visit
the library more than once, it may pay you to join the Society itself, when of course entrance is free,
and you also have the benefit of receiving their quarterly magazine. At present the annual subscription
for members living in London is £15., whilst for others it is £10.
However, I shall assume that our visitor is on an infrequent trip to London, and is aiming to take
advantage of the Society's collection in the shortest possible time. The library is housed on three
levels, a basement, ground floor, and first floor, at 37, Harrington Gardens, South Kensington,
London SW7, a Victorian house not far from Gloucester Road Tube Station. Durham and Northumberland are quite well served as far as parish register transcripts are concerned, but first I will deal with
some of the major indexes and collections, which all visitors will wish to examine.
Boyd's Marriage Index: Perhaps the most famous of all genealogical indexes, this was initiated by
Percival Boyd in 1925, and compiled over a period of 30 years. It is a typewritten index of marriages
from English parish registers arranged largely by county, and in `25-year' periods, though there are
two series of miscellaneous volumes. The index is housed in Room Raglan, on the first floor. The 531
,Mrunrus-~m.w2hy ill. -,no- -W-dh, -cad. umtain. drum3rx'cv3uvni -nillirmi -nrarfrdgn.i'm -vdfum-usSror
,xv:t 2.n zi-}z?xjul- -1f 71
76% ,If ~ }t°~;~lliSlt.~ i Vih1&iW Pa'ii`,ftUnSilT i breihYliiberland are covered, approximately 84% of the county. It is worth noting, however, that these
indexes were based on the work of H. M. Wood, and cover the parishes, in the main, to 1812. Only
Lanchester and Whickham are covered up to 1837. There are standard abbreviations for names, and
only the barest details are given, but it is obviously an invaluable device for locating a marriage. A
typical entry shows one of my ancestors in Houghton-le-Spring:
1801 PLACE Jas
An Wrigglesworth
Houghton
The actual entry in the Houghton register reads as follows:
1801, 2nd Aug. James Place of this parish and Ann Wrigglesworth of Appleton Wisk (Yorks.)
married by banns.
A detailed list of all the parishes and periods covered by the index, can be found in "A list of Parishes
in Boyd's Marriage Index" (1981), published for the Society by Phillimore.
Apprentices of Great Britain: Next to Boyd's Marriage Index in Room Raglan is another invaluable
collection. In 1710, Parliament enacted that a small tax should be paid on apprenticeship indentures,
and this index covers those apprentices on which the tax was paid between 1710 and 1774. It is a very
useful tool for solving 18th century problems, especially prior to 1750, when the father of the
apprentice was named. As in Boyds, there are standard abbreviations, and a particular format for
each entry, but again, it is simple to follow. The following entry, for example, solved a problem
concerning one of my `Smith' ancestors in Billingham:
SMITH 1722/47/161 Fran Geo of Cowpen, Durham, to Tho Reed of Yarme, Yk, saddler, £10.
The entry reveals that Francis, the son of George Smith of Cowpen Bewley (in the parish of
Billingham) was apprenticed in 1722 to one Thomas Reed of Yarme, as a saddler, and that f-10 tax was
paid. The reference number 47/161 refers simply to the volume and folio number of the original
register at the Public Record Office. I would certainly advise any visitor to check the two dozen or so
volumes which make up this index.
The Documents Collection: This is housed in Room Tweeddale, next door to Room Raglan, still
upstairs. These are family histories and documents deposited by members during the 70 years
existence of the Society. It is always worth checking just in case work has already been done on the
family you are tracing. The thousands of pedigrees are arranged alphabetically by surname in 800
boxes, and do not take long to check.
*The Computor File Index: On the ground floor, in the members' room, is housed one of the more
recent acquisitions, the invaluable micro-fiche indexes compiled by the Mormon Church. Acquired in
late 1977, it has been in constant use ever since, and visitors are advised to telephone the Society and
book one of the readers in advance. One is allowed one hour on the machines, and there is also a
reader-printer, which will copy complete pages from the fiche for 20 pence. Hence, if researching a
particular surname, one need not copy by hand all the baptism and marriage entries which appear, but
a photocopy will record up to seventy entries in a matter of seconds - very useful if you are in a hurry.
Again, Durham and Northumberland are well covered by these indexes, with perhaps as many as 70%
of known baptisms in the two counties recorded.
Here too, in the members' room, you can relax, have a cup of tea, and browse through the journals
of all the different family history societies.
The Great Card Index: Down in the basement is housed a huge card index containing about three
million names. It is a miscellaneous index containing references from parish registers, wills, and
monumental inscriptions, and is especially strong on 18th century references. To some extent, the CFI
has now superseded this index, but nevertheless, it is perhaps worth a quick check just in case
something turns up, and again takes only a matter of minutes.
These then are the major collections well worth checking. There are of course others, not least the
micro-film indexes of the Scottish civil registration records (1855-1920). 1 have chosen the above,
however, for they can all be consulted in a very short time, and can sometimes quickly solve
long-standing problems.
Our visitor of course will then wish to check the actual county shelves, where the many parish
register transcripts are kept. I have listed below the parishes in Durham and Northumberland for
which there is a copy of the register, though of course on the same shelves the searcher will find many
other reference books on the two counties, such as copies of monumental inscriptions and poll books.
The Durham collection is housed upstairs in Room Raglan, close to Boyd's Marriage Index, whilst the
Northumberland collection is to be found downstairs in Room Farrer. Here too, will be found the
complete card catalogue of all the transcripts etc. a t the Society, and you will need to consult this
catalogue to discover on which shelf you will find the volume you are seeking. For example, if you
wish to check the transcript of St. Hilda's, Hartlepool 1566-1837, you would first go to the catalogue
drawer marked `Durham', and check the card marked `Hartlepool'. This indicates
HARTLEPOOL DU 10
This shows that you will find the transcript on the 10th Durham shelf. (All the Durham shelves, for
instance, are marked DU 1 to DU 10) Be prepared to check one or two shelves however, for often
books are returned to the wrong shelf by users. When I was at the Society last, I found the above
transcript on the 9th shelf! (DU 9)
tof_writing„ thr-re are plans_ to reorganise the Member's room (recently renamed
~~ .DsL } thattPs~, aftPr rhP_fnrmPr P r_r~~,~fxhe.Cru:ie.lvl1;v_moving_the _minro-fiche r_e_aders to a
newly acquired room on the second floor of the bulding later this year.)
(*Note_:_ At-the times
PARISH REGISTER TRANSCRIPTS AT THE SOCIETY OF
GENEALOGISTS LIBRARY FOR DURHAM AND NORTHUMBERLAND
C - Christenings or births
M - Marriages
B - Burials
D - Deaths
DURHAM
Aycliffe, CMB 1560-1812
Bishop Auckland & Witton Gilbert, R.C., C 1768-1794
Bishop Middleham, CMB 1559-1812
Bishopwearmouth, M 1568-1837
Boldon, M 1579-1837
Brancepeth, M 1599-1837
Castle Eden, CMB 1661-1812; M 1698-1837
Chester-le-Street, M 1582-1837
Cockfield, CMB 1807-1840
Coniscliffe, CMB 1590-1812
Croxdale, M 1732-1837
Dalton-le-Dale, CMB 1653-1837
Dinsdale, CMB 1556-1813
Durham Cathedral, CMB 1609-1896
Durham St. Margaret's, M 1558-1812
Durham St. Mary-le-Bow, M 1571-1812
Durham St. Mary-the-Less, CMB 1559-1812
Durham St. Nicholas, CMB 1540-1812
Durham St. Oswald, CMB 1538-1751
Durham Secular & Jesuit Mission, CM 1739-1839
Easington, M 1570-1837
Ebchester, CMB 1618-1812
Edmundbyers, M 1746-1840
Egglestone, CB 1795-1840
Elwick Hall, CMB 1592-1900
Embleton, M 1650-1760
Esh, CMB 1567-1812
Gainford, CMB 1560-1784
Gateshead, St. Mary, CMB 1559-1587, 1608-1960; M 1559-1837
Gateshead Fell, M 1825-1837
Harnsterley Baptist, C 1729-1765; CD 1771-1848
Hardwick, Catholic, C 1743-7
Hartlepool, CMB 1566-1837
Heatherlycleugh, M 1828-1837
Hetton-le-Hole, M 1832-1837
Heworth, M 1696-1837
Houghton-le-Spring, M 1653-1812; Extracts 1581-1812
Hurworth-on-Tees, CMB 1559-1799
Ireshopebum, C 1766-1822
Jarrow, CMB, 1813-1837; M 1568-1812
Kelloe, M 1693-1837
Lamesley, M 1603-98 (with gaps); 1702-1837
Lanchester, CMB 1560-1603
Middleton-in-Teesdale, CMB 1753-1837
Middleton St. George, CMB 1616-1812
Monkwearmouth, M 1790-1837,plus Licences pre 1790
Monk Hesledon, M 1592-1837
Muggleswick, M 1755-1846; CMB 1784-1812
Penshaw, M 1754-1837
Pittington, M 1575-1837
Rainton, West, M 1827-1837
Ryton, M 1581-1812
Satley, M 1560-1837; CMB 1560-1812
Seaham, M 1652-1837; CMB 1646-1812
Sherburn Hospital, CB 1678-1812; M 1695-1763
Shildon, M 1834-1837
South Shields, M 1653-1837
Staindrop, CMB 1807-1840
Stanhope, M 1613-1837
Stranton, CMB 1580-1837
Stella, Catholic, 1775-1797
Sunderland, M 1719-1837
Sunderland R.C., CMB 1809-1837
Trimdon, M 1721-1837
Washington, M 1603-1837
Weardale, St. John's Chapel, M 1828-1837
Whickham, M 1579-1812; C 1576-1756
Whitburn, M 1579-1837; CMB 1611-1812
Whorlton, CB 1626-1840; M 1713-1837
Winston, CMB 1572-1840
Witton Gilbert, M 1568-1837
Witton-le-Wear, CMB 1559-1734; M 15-BS-1837
Wolsingham, M 1655-1837
This list has grown substantially in the past couple of years, mainly due to the marriage transcripts of our member, W. E. Rounce.
NORTHUMBERLAND
Alnham, CMB 1688-1812
Alnwick, C 1645-1669
Alwinton, Holystone Chapelry, B 1816-1842
Alwinton, CMB 1719-1812
Ancroft, M 1813-1837; B 1813-1840
Bambrough, CM 1653-1762; B 1652-1809
Belford, CMB 1701-1812
Bellingham, St. Oswald R.C., C1794-1837; B 1775-1790
Berwick, Dissenting Protestant Relief, C 1778-1791, 1810
Berwick, United Presbyterian, M 1782-1812
Berwick, CM 1574-1700
Bothal with Hebburn, CMB 1680-1812
Branton Presbyterian, C 1785-1837
Branxton, CMB 1736-1812
Bymess, CB 1797-1812
Callaly R.C., CMB 1796-1839, B 1797-1881
Carham, M 1813-1837
Chatton, CMB 1712-1812
Cockshaw Catholic, CM 1753-1831
Corbridge, CMB 1654-1812
Crookham Presbyterian, C 1732-1833
Doddington, CMB 1697-1812
Edlingham, CMB 1658-1812
Eglingham, CMB 1662-1812
Ellingham, CMB 1695-1814
Etal Presbyterian, C 1751-1828
Felton R.C., CMB 1792-1858
Ford, CMB 1683-1812
Glanton, C 1784-1837
Haggerston R.C., D 1790-1856
Halton, CMB 1654-1812
Haltwhistle, C 1691-1750, MB 1691-1723
Haydon Bridge, CMB 1654-1812
Hebburn - see Bothal
Hexham Baptist, C 1651-1680
Hexham Wesleyan, C 1797-1836
Hexham Ebenezer Independent, C 1787-1837
Holy Island, CMB 1578-1958
Ilderton, CMB 1724-1812
Ingram, M 1813-1837; CMB 1682-1812
Kirknewton, B.T.s, CM 1770-1788; B 1762-1788
Kyloe, M 1813-1836
Lesbury, CMB 1690-1812
LongBenton, CMB 1653-1812
Long Houghton, CMB 1646-1812
Lowick, CMB 1716-1812
Ministeracres Catholic, C 1795-1840
Meldon, CMB 1706-1812
Morpeth, CMB 1719-1812
Netherwitton, CMB 1696-1812
Netherwitton Catholic, C 1790-1803
Newbiggin, CMB 1662-1812
Newbrough, CMB 1695-1725
Newbum, CM 1660-1739; B 1660-1688
Newcastle, All Saints, C 1713-1830; M 1600-1830
Newcastle, St. Andrew R.C., C 1765-1825; B 1765-1806
Newcastle Courant, CMB Extracts, 1748-1781
Newcastle, Hanover Square Unitarian Chapel, 1779-1899
Newcastle, St. Nicholas, M 1574-1812
Newcastle, Ballast Hill Cemetery, 1719-1801
Norham Presbyterian, C 1753-1818, 1848-54; M 1779-1805
Ovingham, CMB 1679-1812
Rennington, CB 1769-1812; M 1769-79
Rothbury, CMB 1653-1816
Rock, CB, 1768-1812; M 1771-80
Shotley, CMB 1670-1812
Sronecroft Catholic, CM 1737-1821
Swinbume Castle Catholic 1828-1859
Warden, CMB 1695-1724
Warkworth, CMB 1672-1812
Whalton, CMB 1661-1812
Whitfield, CM 1605-1812; B 1754-1812
Wood Head Chapel Catholic, 1774-1796
Wooler West Presbyterian, C 1749-1783
Plus an index of marriages 1813-1837 covering many parishes in the north of the county, compiled by J.A. Readdie.
WHEN THE FOG LIFTS
Alan Wright
An earlier article that I wrote for the NDFHS Journal carried the title "Family Mysteries or Fog in
the Dales" and related some of the difficulties faced in sorting out two particular families from
Weardale, County Durham. The article produced a minor deluge of letters and I would like to thank
members who wrote to me for their interest and suggestions.
Whilst I am no further forward with the two families discussed in the above article, here is a tale of
recent success with another family to show that on occasions the fog does lift in Weardale.
My interest in the Bainbridges of Weardale, as with my other Weardale families, derives from my
wife, formerly Margaret Bainbridge. There was a tradition linking my wife's family with the Bainbridge
family who owned the large Newcastle departmental store. This store was founded by Emerson
Muschamp Bainbridge and his cousin, John Bell Muschamp, in 1850 and was the first departmental
store in Europe.
Emerson Muschamp Bainbridge (EMB) and my wife's paternal grandfather Emerson Bainbridge
were both born in Weardale, although two generations apart, and were both life-long Methodists.
The sharing of a common birthplace, the same religious denomination and an "uncommon" Christian
name is not an infallible guide to propinquity, but it did hold out some promise of a connection. This
possibility was an added spur to the pursuit of the Bainbridge family tree.
The surname Bainbridge crops up regularly throughout the Stanhope registers from the earliest
ti mes. In the first half of the 17th century for example, a Henry, a Robert and five or six John
Bainbridges can be identified living at various habitations such as Hillhouse, Westgate, Fieldstyle,
Newlandside, Brotherlee and Fieldhead. Later in the same century families crop up at Snapeclose
(Snowshopeclose), Lindwell, Swinhopeburn, Saugh Sheels, Hawkwellhead, Windyside, East
Blackdean and Ridding House.
Incidentally, the farms and houses in Weardale possess a fascinating range of names and I can
recommend, if you have not already read it, "Weardale Names of Field and Fell" by W.M.
Egglestone, published in 1886 which discusses them in detail.
A numerical assessment from the registers and Census Returns shows that the Bainbridge clan
were extremely numerous in the dales;
Year
Baptisms
Marriages
Deaths
1601-1700
1701-1800
100
141
39
91
91
98
Census
1841
1851
1861
1871
No. of Bainbridges
72
96
75
112
With the aid of Parish Register Transcripts upto 1812 and the Census Returns, a family line
stretching back to the eldest son, John, of a marriage between Cuthbert Bainbridge and Mary Carr in
1759, was established. However, the birth of Cuthbert was nowhere to ;5e found in the Stanhope
Registers and further no Emerson Muschamp Bainbridge turned up.
A day spent in the vestry of the Parish Church at St. Johns Chapel with the post-1812 registers filled
in a few gaps. I had heard of the unhelpfulness of some Church of England incumbents but in this
instance the Rev. C. Smith of Cowshill allowed me unhindered access to the documents. It was a
different story at Stanhope which had no incumbent at the time, where my charm(?) did not work with
the Church warden and I came away empty-handed.
Lady Luck then played her part in the unlikely guise of a garden fete organised on behalf of
Whickham Methodist Church. As I was involved in the fete organisation I was prevented from
dabbling in the delights of the second-hand bookstall. After the fete was long finished I came across a
box of unsold books and among them found "Reminiscences" by one Thomas Hudson Bainbridge,
who turned out to be a son of EMB.
Inquiries showed the book to have been given by the wife of the local Methodist minister and she
turned out to be related to the Muschamp side of EMB's family. She also had in her possession
another book, this time on EMB himself, which she promptly gave me on learning of my interest.
Both books, although essentially pious tributes to eminent North Country Methodists, containing
sufficient family detail to link EMB through the youngest son, Cuthbert, to the Cuthbert Bainbridge/
Mary Carr marriage.
EMB had left Weardale in 1830 at the age of 13 to work in Newcastle, stayed there, married and
had 15 children. I was attempting recently to use the detailed list of mourners from Thomas Hudson
Bainbridge's book to reconstruct EMB's family when the Newcastle Evening Chronicle came to my
assistance.
A news item stated that a Mr. and Mrs. Airey of Newcastle were compiling a history of the
Bainbridges of Newcastle. A telephone call was all that was needed and before long we were swopping
family trees - Mrs. Airey turned out to be the eldest daughter of George V. Bainbridge, the last
Bainbridge to be Managing Director at Bainbridges Store.
As it happened, the only branch of the Cuthbert/Mary Carr family that Mr. and Mrs. Airey had not
traced was that of the eldest son John. They had however managed to take the family line back one
further generation to Cuthbert's father Ralph, born in Weardale in 1679.
The book entitled, "The Bainbridges of Newcastle - a family history 1679-1976", came out just
before Christmas 1979. It is a mine of information about the Bainbridge family with lots of photographs and family trees. My one regret is that I arrived too late to get my information into the book but
if the demand is sufficiently great I should get into the second edition!
STRAYS IN CANTERBURY DIOCESE
Marriages
From the Volumes of Canterbury Diocese Marriage Licences 1751-1837 by A.J. Willis
William BOWDEN of Newcastle, Northumberland, Mariner of HMS Greyhound, age 21, and Mary
WILSON of Deal, age 21, 23 November 1759. (Deal)
Thomas CUSTT of Sunderland, County Durham, Mariner, and Ann HAMBROOK of St. Mary,
Dover, age 21, 1759 (No date) (St. Mary, Dover)
John GASKIN of Bockingfold, Kent, age 33, and Ann BODKIN of Marden, 23 April 1763. (There is
no such place as Bockingfold in Kent but there is a Bockenfield in Northumberland) (Marden)
Thomas INNES of Gateshead, County Durham, and Judith SAVER of Deal, 12 January 1800 (Deal)
Knowles KELL of Sunderland, County Durham, and Ann KEDMAN, Widow, of, St Mary, Dover, 4
October 1776. (St Mary, Dover)
Vincent LAMBERT and Eliz DUNLOP of Berwick-on-Tweed, 24 November 1800. (St. Paul
Deptford)
William LEE of South Shields, County Durham, and Sarah GORDON, 9 October 1799. (St Paul,
Deptford)
John PEARSON of Gateshead, County Durham, Gentleman, and Margaret ANDERSON of
Minster, age 22, 22 November 1799. (Minster)
John RICHARDSON of Sunderland, County Durham, and Sarah WOOD of Herne, 6 March 1779.
(Herne)
Robert RICHARDSON of Sunderland, County Durham, Mariner, Widower, and Sarah SAXBY of
St. Mary, Sandwich, 5 April 1792. St. Mary, Sandwich)
George ROSEDON of Gateshead, County Durham, and Mary ANDERSON of St. Mary, Dover, 30
September 1796. (St. Mary, Dover)
William ROUTLEDGE of Sunderland, County Durham, age 24, and Sarah WELLARD of St. Mary,
Sandwich, age 22, 2 October 1778. (St. Mary, Sandwich)
Robert SABRON of Sunderland, County Durham, age 30, and Sarah BROOMFIELD of Maidstone,
daughter of John BROOMFIELDS, Bargeman, 6 December 1756. (Maidstone)
James SMITH of Monk Vermer, County Durham, - (Monkwearmouth!) - age 23, and Ann CRISP (in
affidavit, Mary) of Whitstable, age 20, daughter of Samuel CRISP, 16 October 1760. (Whitstable)
George WALKER of Newcastle-on-Tyne and Helen WALKER, 3 February 1802. (St. Paul, Deptford)
Gavin WALLACE of Lowick, Northumberland, and Ann BRADSHAW of Deal, 4 September 1781.
(Deal)
Growgill
Growgill
Growgill
Growgill
Buck Hall
Hole Farm
Townmeadowhead
Calvert
Cocklake
Hill
High Pasture House
Weast Ashgif
High Crossgill
Prye Head
Far Turnings
Littlegill
Roderupside
High Roderup
Gatefoot
Gatefoot
Gate
Gate
Gate
Gate
Gate
Gate
Gate
Clarkhall
Gatehead
Gatehead
Gatehead
Gatehead
EstherARMSTRONG (George) Wife
Mar
Hannah HENDERSON
Head
Wid
John MARTIN (Henry CRAIG) Nephew
U
Mary MARTIN
Servant
U
Matthew FENWICK
Head
Mar
John FENWICK
Head
Mar
Jane FENWICK
Wife
Mar
Jane FENWICK
Daughter
Jane FENWICK
Niece
W J BURNITT
Visitor
U
Elizabeth ANDERSON (head not
Dau.
at home)
Son
William ANDERSON
Wife
Mar
Mary STEPHENSON (Henry)
MollyALLISON(JosephRENWICK)Relation
Wid
Hannah HOLEM
Servant
U
Sarah MILLICAN (Wallace),
Wife
Mar
.SLgny4AVZ: W,tX
Sorr
u'
Elizabeth CURRA14(Isaac)
Wife
Mar
Elizabeth ALINSON
Head
Wid
Son
William ALINSON
U
Mar
Mary SMITH (Thomas)
Wife
Mar
Margaret COULTHARD (Joseph) Wife
Head
Wid
Elizabeth PARMLEY
William COATES
Head
Mar
Frances WATSON (Joseph)
Wife
Mar
John COUSIN
Head
Mar
Mary COUSIN
Wife
Mar
Matthew COUSIN
Son
U
Ann COUSIN
Daughter
U
Elizabeth COUSIN
Daughter
U
George BELL
Head
Mar
Mary ARMSTRONG (Thomas) Wife
Mar
Nancy WATSON (William)
Wife
Mar
Thomas GREENWELL
Head
Widr
U
John BRIGHT (John COOPER) Visitor
Hannah RICHARDSON (Joseph) Son's Wife Mar
Isabella WALTON (Mary ERWIN)Niece
U
Isabella KINLYSIDE
Servant
U
Servant
Edward GILLHESBY
U
Wife
Mar
Mary PEART (Isaac)
Wife's Son U
Joseph MORROW
Head
Mar
Robert DENT
Wife
Mar
Jane DENT
Mary DENT
Daughter
U
Mary TEASDALE
Visitor
U
DorothyHETHERINGTON(John)Wife
Mar
Ann VIPOND
Mother-in-law Wid
Robert HETHERINGTON (Hannah)Son
U
Richard HETHERINGTON
Son
U
43
47
23
17
22
22
64
16
14
17
20
15
32
82
21
41
17
33
47
23
37
37
61
51
44
42
40
14
13
11
34
34
63
60
31
22
7
13
22
56
26
27
25
5
23
41
75
20
15
Domestic
Lead Miner
Shepherd
Shepherd
Yeoman
Farmer's Daughter
Lead Miner
House Keeper
General Servant
Lead Vre Miner
Farmer of 50 Acres
Lead Ore Miner
Farmer of 30 Acres
Lead Miner and Farmer
Land Proprietor's Wife
Lead Miner and Farmer
AtHome
AtHome
Scholar
Lead Miner and Farmer
Lead Miner's Wife
Innkeeper's Wife
Blacksmith
Servant Man
Lead Miner's Wife
Scholar
House Servant
Shoemaker
Lead Miner's Wife
Lead Miner
School Master
School Master's Wife
Scholar
Farmer's Daughter
Lead Miner's Wife
Farmer's Widow
Lead Miner
Lead Miner
Durham Weardale
Northd West Allen
Northd West Allen
Northd West Allen
Northd Graystead
Northd Simonburn
Northd Simonbum
Northd Bellingham
Northd Bellingham
Northd Ovingham
Durham Middleton
Durham Middleton
Northd Allendale
Durham Middleton
Durham Weardale
Narthd.YaarFst?da,
Northd- Knaresdale
Northd Allendale
Durham Middleton
Durham Middleton
Northd Kirkhaugh
Northd Haltwhistle
Durham Stanhope
Northd Allendale
Durham Stanhope
Durham Teesdale
Durham Teesdale
Durham Teesdale
Durham Teesdale
Durham Teesdale
Northd Hexham
Durham Weardale
Durham Stanop
Durham Stanop
Northd Allendale
Durham Teesdale
Durham South Shields
Northd Allendale
Northd Hexham
Northd Allendale
Northd Allendale
Northd Haltwhistle
Northd Lambly
Northd Lambly
Northd Lambly
Northd Kirkhaugh
Northd Haltwhistle
Durham Teesdale
Durham Teesdale
PARISH REGISTERS AND GENETICS
IN COQUETDALE
Nearly four years ago the Society was addressed by Dr. D.F. Roberts on "The Use Of Parish
Registers to Resolve Genetical Problems" (Journal Volume II No. 2 page 56-7). An extended article
re-iterating Dr. Roberts' researches was published last year in "Family History". (The Journal of the
Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies), Volume 11 Nos 77/88, New Series Nos. 53/54,
(August 1980). This article may be of interest to members researching Coquetdale families from the
parishes of Alwinton, Rothbury, Felton, and Warkworth, dealing as it does with such matters as
population movement, surname frequency, birth-rate and family size from the early 18th-early 19th
centuries and more particularly the `golden age' of parish registers 1798-1812. Among the articles
mentioned in Dr. Roberts' bibliography, the following may be of interest:
DOBSON, T. (1973) "Historical population structure in Northumberland", in D. F. ROBERTS and E. SUNDERLAND
(Eds.) "Genetic Variation in Britain". Taylor and Francis, London; pp 67-82.
DOBSON, T. and ROBERTS, D. F. (1971). "Historical population movement and geneflow in Northumberland parishes",
in: Journal of Biosociological Sciences, 3; pp 193-208.
ROBERTS, D. F. and RAWLING, C. P. (1974). "Secular trends in genetic structure: an isonymic analysis of Northumberland
parish records", in: Annals of Human Biology. 1; pp 393-410.
Readers will see from the foregoing that I now have new lines of enquiry to follow as a result of the
wealth of information given on the headstone, so if your own researches run into difficulty, do not
despair!
Should any other member be researching the Lamb family in Northumberland, I have a bookful of
names and places covering nearly every parish in the County, and would be pleased to help anyone
sending the usual s. a. e. to 20 Thorpe Road, Easington Village, PETERLEE, County Durham.
LOOKING BACK
David J. Anderson
I have been taking a light hearted look at my first year in genealogical research, and in particular
comparing contrasting experiences during that period. Some of these situations may bring a knowing
smile or nod from "Old campaigners" of the society, while others may have yet to be experienced by
even newer members of the society than I.
Genealogical research brings one into contact with numerous professions and people from all
walks of life, but there is perhaps one group whose attitude to the genealogists varies to the extreme the Clergy. There is on one hand those who could be described as `swingers', who sway at the vestry
door, with your coat in one hand and your hat in the other, while they reluctantly grant you ten
minutes to search through twenty years of baptisms, marriages, and burials. At'the other extreme
there are the Canon O'Donnellys (Hartburn) and the Father Lennons (Felton) of this world, who
insist on carrying out the research for you and refuse to take a penny in return.
Then there are our fellow genealogists, who vary from the downrigh• rude and often bloody
minded "professionals" of St Catherine's House (during the lunch ho.~i) whose sole aim is to
decapitate you with the registers, or to force you off the end of the reading desk, in the hope that you
will disappear, to the helpful and courteous types.of Melton Park on a Monday night, resolving the
perennial problem of over-subscribed NCR readers in an amicable manner.
As for the extremes of the technological hardware available to the genealogists compare, if you
will, the broken handled NCR reader on the second floor of the city library (which requires the
patience of Job and the dexterity of a juggler to spin the film reel by hand) with the computerised
equipment at Kew, where one calls up documents required on a visual display unit (a T. V. screen with
a keyboard) which also advises you of the room and time that documents will be ready. When they are
ready the teletracer "bleeper" tucked in ones backpocket emits an audible alarm, no matter where
one is in the building.
Finally, consider the contrasting environmental conditions which the researcher has to endure;
one day freezing in a damp and musty old church searching for that elusive marriage, the next
sweating in the sauna-like atmosphere of the reading rooms of the Central Library.
This first year has been a fascinating and absorbing one for me. I have travelled many a false trail,
been led up, many blind alleys, discovered one ancestor committed for trial and another three
committed to mental institutions, but I remain undaunted. I have never been upset at missing
Coronation Street or Blankety Blank, and quite frankly I just cannot understand all this fuss over a tall
stetson-bedecked Texan named J. R.! I just hope that the next years are as enjoyable and rewarding as
the first.
DARLINGTON EVENING CLASSES
A course of six meetings on Thursdays from 1st October 1981, from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., will be
held at Bennet House, 14, Horsemarket, Darlington, the subject being `Tracing Your Family Tree',
and the lecturer Dr. C.W. Gibby. This course, sponsored by the W.E.A., could be very popular. To
reserve a place, call, write or telephone after 6th September to:
Valerie Portass, Bennet House, 14, Horsemarket, Darlington, Telephone: Darlington 57801. Fee:
£3.60 (students and retired people £1.80).
BORDER DESCENT
Alfred J Coulthard
The proud possession of Border blood is commonplace among the inhabitants of Northumberland
and Durham, but one wonders how many have successfully proved their Border descent in detailed
steps. It should of course be remembered that "the Border" was a territory rather than a divisive
frontier; "Borderers", whether English or Scots, were Borderers first and foremost, as they repeatedly
showed when confronted one against the other in battle, quite apart from their total disregard of the
laws prohibiting inter-marriage. London and Edinburgh were a long way away, as the College of
Heralds was to find in another field.
In this article, the word "Border" refers mainly to Tweeddale, the Merse, Norhamshire, Glendale
and Berwickshire; one would like to exclude Redesdale and North Tynedale for the purpose of this
discussion because migration from these dales was relatively straightforward and probably often
traceable - for example, according to Nef, the coal mines near Newcastle employed 5800 men in
1637/38 "of whom the majority were from Tynedale and Redesdale".
It has often been written that Weardale had its •nflux from the Border and the Debateable Land,
and that Tyneside recruited its keelmen from the Scottish Eastern March; in the former case the
appearance of such surnames as Armstrong, Elliot, English, Graham, Home, Milburn, Oliver,
Pattinson, Robson, and Scott serve to confirm this assumption. If more positive evidence is scanty,
one can at least accept this explanation in general, but it would be nice to prove these migrations from
actual records.
Where exactly did the Weardale surnames come from? There is some sort of feeling that many
were miners of Covenant persuasion seeking escape from Claverhouse and the real serfdom of the
Scottish mines at Wanlockhead and Leadhills; this seems to be supported by the early construction in
upper Weardale of a Scottish place of worship. It is only when one examines the Christian names of
these early arrivals that this explanation fails to satisfy; instead of Alexander, Andrew, Dougal, James
and Malcolm we find Ralph - quite common - George, Henry and John: hardly Scottish and not even
convincingly Cumbrian.
Convincing step-by-step migrations across the Solway and Esk have been given chapter and verse, 2
but it is a different matter on the Eastern March. Many surnames which existed in some numbers in
Berwickshire, East Lothian and Renfrewshire - for example in the parishes of Stichwell, Hume and
Greenlaw - down to, say, the mid-sixteen hundreds had largely disappeared within the next 150 years,
and although these names can now be picked up on this side of the Border proof of descent is very,
very difficult to obtain.
One who has succeeded in obtaining such proof is Sir Hugo Marshall, whose ancestor George
Marshall married Helen Coulthard. In 1690 their descendants moved progressively to Alnwick,
Berwick and, eventually, London, but although Berwick was not an uncommon move most seem to
have gravitated across the Tweed to Norham, Carham, Coldstream and Cornhill, later moving on to
Newcastle and also, notably, South Shields, but as has been said, "linking-up" is a major problem.
How did these migrations come about? Sir Hugo thinks that the 17th-century migration was
triggered by the disappearance of the run-rig system of agriculture and the advent of the enclosure
movement with the consequent reduction in the number of tenant farmers. This is undoubtedly true,
but even before that time the large numbers who had been maintained by "Border service" and castle
service around such strongholds as the castles of Ber*ick, Dirleton, Hume, Norham and Tantallon
had been thrown out of employment partly by the union of the Crowns in 1603, leading to the creation
of the "Middle Shires", and partly by the Cromwellian campaigns which destroyed many of these
strongholds. Hume Castle, for example, where both Marshall and Coulthard families had probably
long resided, was completely destroyed.
Some of these displaced families would move to Edinburgh in the usual urban drift, but religious
intolerance and the prospect of reasonable agricultural land across the Border played a bigger part. A
far from negligible factor in the depopulation hereabouts - although not a factor in cross-Border
niigrationto Engian6--was'fne *iritensive recruitment of ine tenantry and ine'landless to sailtrom Leifh
to the bloody wars of the Baltic rulers, from which very few returned.
As has already been mentioned, the "Pacification of the Border" following the Union in 1603
meant that quite a lot of skills were suddenly in much reduced demand; one such was that of armourer
or blacksmith, and these can sometimes be traced moving gradually further South, perhaps as village
blacksmiths, until their skills were translated into other fields - no doubt with profit to all - on
Tyneside.
A mixture of the above factors would have seen a steady stream of Scottish Borderers crossing into
England - despite severe penalties theatened by legislation - even before the Union. Thus in 1569 Lord
Hunsdon reported that in his English Wardenry of about 24 miles by 16 miles there were 2500 Scos 3.
In 1586 Lord Randolph reported that "every third man within ten miles of the frontier was a Scot,
either a tenant or a servant of the English", and in 1646 Viscount Conway observed that several
hundred Scots were living on Lord Grey's land, "who frequently crossed the Border to attend Church
services "5.
This latter practice is an important pointer. There were by now sufficient nonconformist Scots in
Northumberland to form a formidable Fifth Column to the Covenanting army which was shortly to
occupy a large part of the North of England including much of Northumberland and Durham. In
1640/41, for instance, "the Minister at Cornhill was himself a notorious (or notable!) Covenanter."
He was Henry Erskine of Shielfield, who was not ejected until 1662.
At Easington the Covenanting army of occupation collected signatures to the Covenant, and the
surviving record includes such names as Burdon, Fargison, Grame, Harrison, Hunter, Nixon,
Paxton, Simpson, Unthank, Watson and Wilson, as well as numerous Robinsonss. Undoubtedly
some of this army of occupation - recruited largely from Galloway, Dumfriesshire and perhaps
Lanarkshire - would stay behind', introducing their own surnames to the area.
Part of the difficulty in tracing links lies in this general adherence to the nonconformist churches,
whose ministers never adopted the attitude to registration which was usual in the Church of England;
in Kirkcudbrightshire, for example, a fee was charged for making the entry, if any was to be made.
Even when registers were written up their subsequent preservation was somewhat haphazard. Apart
from this, a few of the migrants were Roman Catholics', some were Scottish Episcopalians, and even
"The Kirk" had its offshoots such as Erskineites who again had their own ministers. Although all such
baptisms were supposed to be entered in the Parish Registers as "irregular baptisms" it is fairly
evident that this was often not done, and the same applies to baptisms at the parental home.
Altogether it is very much a matter of luck!
Even the coming of the Census is not a great deal of help to the genealogist; if parents or
grandparents born North of the Border are living with their English-born descendants the only
indication of birthplace will be "Scotland" - unless you are luckier than I have been! Not only is this a
trifle vague, but it was often in fact untrue; possibly due to error on the part of the enumerator.
With regard to the Keelmen, I have not had much luck in my investigations as I have not had access
to the lists compiled around 1740 which I am assured do exist, giving surnames and places of origin.
The few records which I have examined suggest Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth rather than the
Scottish Eastern March, but I should be grateful to anyone who has access to these records for details
of their contents.
In summary, I have sought to give some indication of the possible factors in the drift of surnames
from the Scottish Border to Northumberland and Durham whilst stressing the difficulty of tracing
continuity of relationship. A report on the Keelmen's Rolls of 1740 would be a most useful contribution
in this field.
REFERENCES
1. Nef; "The Rise of the Coal Industry"
2. A.J.C; "One family's 700 years of Border history"
3. H M C; Hatfield Mss., 1597
4. Calendar of Border Papers, 1586
5. Cal. S.P. Dom, 1640
6. Original in Durham County Record Office
7. NDFHS Journal, Vol 11, pp 74/5, 1977
CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND STRAYS
Marriages
John EMERSON, Stanhope Parish, a Durham miner, and Sarah WINSKEL, 26 November 1799.
(Registers of Milburn, Westmorland)
Christopher FARROW, Hexham Parish, aged 38, and Sarah WELLS, aged 26, by licence, 21
September 1803. (Registers of Skelton, Cumberland)
Johseph JOHNSTONE of Norton, County Durham Widower, and Mary SCOLLICK, by licence, 5
November 1766. (Registers of Barton, Westmorland)
James SHAFTO, Gentleman, from the Bishoprick of Durham, and Mrs Eliz SANDFORD of
Howgill Castle, 30 December 1684. (Registers of Milburn, Westmorland)
William TROUTBECK of Bishop Auckland and Mary WELLS, by licences, 26 June 1770. (Registers
of Skelton, Cumberland)
John
BELL
35
Head
Farmer 80 acres
Birthplace illegible
So he had aged 15 years between 1851 and 1861, had he? Which age was correct? Was he born in
1810/11, or in 1815/16? We had found a John in a Bishop's Transcript of Longhorsley-while we were
looking for something else - baptised in 1816; was this our John? The place of birth on the Census
was quite illegible; the film was faint and scratched, and the writing all squashed together. For what it
was worth we thought we'd look at the 1841 Census. At that time, according to the place of birth of his
eldest son John, the family had been at Washington. So we searched the 1841 Census, and found the
family living at Washington Mill.
John
BELL
Miller
N.
At least this confirmed that he had been a miller, and not born in Durham, but of course did not help
much about his age except that it would be the earlier date, ages being given to the nearest five years
below. We would have to wait until the 1871 census was available for more information or confirmation, so we turned our attention to his marriage. We searched Sedgefield, where Margaret Blackett
came from, but it wasn't there, neither was it in the Banns book. We searched Washington, but it
wasn't there either.
When the 1871 Census was released, we hoped we'd find the answers. How old would he be?
Where had he been born? We looked at Easington, but the family was no longer there. We looked at
Croxdale, at the Herd's house, but they weren't there. So where were they? Cherry Knowle? And
where was Cherry Knowle? We searched the 1" Ordnance maps, and found East and West Cherry
Knowle near Ryhope. But they weren't there. We looked at the Durham Electoral Roll for 1874, and
among the many John Bells there was one in Fishburn, occupier of house and land. Had Mother not
said that Great-grandfather had lived at Fishburn? In due course we managed to see that census.
Surprises awaited us, and we laughed all the way home from the Record Office.
Fishburn Mill it said:
John
Margaret
John
Eleanor
Ann
Isabella
BELL
65
55
30
23
15
I1
Miller.
Durham, Sedgefield.
Durham, Fishburn
Durham, Fishburn
Durham, Fishburn
Durham, Fishburn
Durham, Easington.
So the wretched man has now aged another 15 years, between 1861 and 1871 - or was he really
born in 1805/6? Did any of his family know how old he really was? When Granny was asked her age,
she always used to say "As old as my little finger and a little bit older than my teeth". Perhaps John
used to say that! The birth place information we discounted; most of it was haywire anyway. We
wondered who had given the information-Granny, aged 11?
To check, we had another look at the other censuses to make sure we hadn't made any mistakes.
All was as we had previously found, but we were better able to read John's birthplace on the 1851
census. Although very faint and cramped, it seemed to say Northd. North Sunderland - not so very
far from Lowick. At this point we definitely discarded the John Bell we'd found in Shilbottle and the
one we'd found in Longhorsley; the search moved up to North Northumberland again.
We therefore went to the Northumberland Record Office, where many original Parish Registers
have been deposited or microfilmed, so that we could search both sides of 1812 -it was August, so we
could not go to Durham University to see the Bishop's Transcripts. We also tried the census of 1841
for Bamburgh, Seahouses, and Lowick to see if any Bells were still around who might have seen
John's parents. This did not yield much as it was mostly too faint to read, so we tried the 1851 census a long shot, but we found one or two hopeful Bells. We also looked at the Militia records, and found
two more Bells who also seemed hopeful; John of Bamburgh and Andrew of Chatton. Both were
millers. One of Granny's brothers was called William Andrew; is there a connection?
The significance of the large numbers of burials and the small numbers of baptisms in the local
Parish Registers had by now dawned on us: was John Bell a Non-Conformist? After all, Granny had
been married in a Presbyterian church, even though she and the rest of the family had been baptised in
the Church of England. The search widened to Non-Conformist records. Many more Bells were
found, but so far no John in the registers at Northumberland Record Office, although we have not yet
been able to finish this search. Time always cuts us short, and we are awaiting a chance to return.
We turned our attention once more to John's marriage, and his burial. Perhaps his burial would
give us his age, and the witnesses at his marriage provide a clue? Since he had been living at Fishburn
KNOW YOUR PARISH: VIII
HEWORTH, CO. DURHAM
J. Turnbull
Various theories have been put forward as to the origin of the name, but the most popular are:
1. Hedge-worth, i.e. the farmstead with a hedge. Hege = a hedge and Wyrth = a warded place, a
farm. 2. The old English Heah + Worth = a village of a chieftain, with a high enclosure.
From the Middle Ages until the end of the 19th Century, the name applied was "The township of
Upper and Nether Heworth" which took in all the present Felling Urban District and some of
Gateshead at Carr Hill.
The 1125 Priory Rolls mention it as "Hewrth" and "Heworth Vill", and in Boldon book of 1185 as
"Heworth".
In 1312, a marauding Scottish army under Robert the Bruce burnt the village of Heworth and in
1348, the Black Death which ravaged England killed roughly a third of Heworth's population. During
the Civil War, Cromwell's forces pillaged the old chapel, and it is also said that General Leslie billeted
his troops in the village.
From the Middle Ages until the end of the 18th Century the hamlets around Heworth changed very
little; most of the people worked on the land and little sparkling burns flowed from the fell into the
then unpolluted Tyne. Heworth was once even called the prettiest village in County Durham.
The 19th Century brought great changes, with steam power, railways and new factories springing
up along the shore of the river, the main industries being mining, quarrying, chemical works, ship and
boat yards, potteries, glass and farming.
Now there are no mines or quarries, and only small factory units dominate the industrial part of
Heworth. In 1801 the population was 2,000 and in 1901 it had grown to 24,000 due to a large influx of
Irish immigrants.
Heworth and the surrounding villages of Felling, Wardley and Bill Quay were part of the parish of
Jarrow, and it was not made a separate parish until 1835. From this parish, the parishes of Windy
Nook (St. Albans 1842) and Christ Church Felling 1866 were both made separate parishes in 1866,
and then Heworth parish itself became part of Felling Urban District in 1896.
From the small chapel at Heworth a wooden church was built in 1710 and after falling into a state of
disrepair a new parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1822 through the efforts of the
Revd. John Hodgson.
The parish registers date from 1696 and are deposited at Durham County Record Office and
Bishop's Transcripts exist from 1768. Marriages 1696-1812 are also included in Boyd's Marriage
Index. Copies of Nonconformist registers, Wesleyan Methodists, and Independents can be found in
Gateshead Public Library.
Other interesting documents which are held at Durham County Record Office and Gateshead
Public Library are the Vestry Minute Books and the Cotesworth and Carr-Ellison papers, and the
papers of the Brandlings, Lords of Felling.
MEMBERS AND THEIR INTERESTS
Items for this and the "Second Time Around" column should be sent to Mrs A. Spendiff, 17 Augustus
Drive Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 6LF. The deadline for the October Journal is 7 August
1981. It is essential that you include your membership number when writing.
0521 Mr R.C. THOMPSON, l Northfield Avenue, Radcliffe-on-Trent, NOTTINGHAM NG12 2HX.
Would like any information about: (1) the parents (James & Sarah Ann) of Alfred Thompson
(b. Oct. 1886, Stockton-on-Tees, although not registered); (2) Stappards, or derivations, who
all appear to come from the Tyne Valley; & (3) George Hedley, b. 1704, of Lawblacklaw,
Bellingham. He is thought to be the father of George (b. 1727), Elizabeth (1729), Margaret
(1731) and John (1733), who married Ann Reed in 1760.
0607 Mr C.R. HUMPHREY, 11 Dewsgreen, Hall Close Dale, CRAMLINGTON, Northumberland
NE23 6130.
Seeking the forebears of Charles Butler, born Bishop Wilton, East Stamford Bridge,
Pocklington, Yorkshire, 10 June 1855, son of John and Elizabeth (b. 1827, nee Musgrave).
Charles' wife was Agnes Croft, born Bishop Wilton, 29 June 1858.
0920 Mr T. TODD. Villa Magnol, Fosse Andre, GUERNSEY, Channel Islands.
Looking for the descendants of Anthony Todd, who was head of the Post Office in the 18th
century, and the son of a Durham farmer.
0963 Mr S.P. COE, 9 Bunces Close, Eton Wick, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 6PL.
Interests are: Coe, Newcastle, 1860 onwards (previously of Norfolk); Hunter,
Bishopwearmouth, 1850s, later Gateshead; Strother, Warkworth, 1840, later Middlesbrough;
Wright, Bishopwearmouth 1830, Newcastle 1850; Moffitt, Newcastle, 19th century; Sawyers,
Carlisle, 19th century, Newcastle 1871.
0968 Mr W.D. MERCHANT, 3 Beckenham Close, EAST BOLDON, Tyne & Wear NE36 OEJ.
Researching the following: Merchant, sailors, of Lythe (Whitby), 1600-1780; Deacon, of Reeth,
1700-1830; Bell, leadminers of Weardale, 1700-1830; Copeland, Patterson & Kirtley
(Courtley), all coal-miners of Houghton, Washington, Chester-le-Street and Whickham, 17001825.
0980 Mr M.T. BANKS, 63 Grants Close, Mill Hill, LONDON NW7 1DE.
Would like to connect his grandfather, Octavius Angelo Taylor (b. 7 Oct. 1863, Banff), son of
Edward (excise officer) and Helen Forster, who married in Edinburgh, with (1) John Taylor,
weaver, of Raynton Gate, Houghton-le-Spring, who married Elizabeth Pattison, 2/12/1758, and
died c. March 1781; and (2) George Taylor, excise officer, who lived in Belford in 1813, and also
in Raynton Gate, Newbottle and Montrose. The purpose of the search is to trace the hereditary
blindness in Mr Bank's family.
0984 Mrs L. GRAVES, 9 Hemlock Terrace, Deep River, CONNECTICUT 06417, UNITED
STATES
Researching the Andersons of N. Shields and Lakes of S. Shields. John and Jane Anderson had
a son, John, of S. Shields, who married Sarah I. Lake of N. Shields (1/1/ 1882), daughter of John
Lake and Sarah Elliots.
0994 Mrs M.J. RENWICK, 31 Dalton Avenue, Lynemouth, MORPETH, Nothumberland
NE615TE.
Seeks dates for Martin Crame from Gateshead, who married Alice Jane Barnfather, c. 1860.
Their son, John Thomas, married Agnes Grey Cairns, 1888. Her father was Alexander. Would like
to trace his wife, possibly called Gray, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, and whose parents were
publicans there before 1870. Also, the parents of Anne Renwick, b. 1870?, spinster mother of
James Renwick, b. 30 July 1887, Bedlington area. Also, dates for Margaret & Richard
Hindhaugh, m. 1885?, Barrington or Chevington areas of Northumberland.
1009 Mr M.R. KIRBY, 40 Keswick Drive, Cullercoats, NORTH SHIELDS, Tyne & Wear NE30 3EW
Researching the families of Kirby, of Nafferton & Pickering areas of N. Yorkshire, c.1870;
Thomas Lovegreen of Durham, who married Margaret Binks, c.1860; also John Pearson of
Thornley Gate, near Allendale, who married Marjorie Makepiece c.1860.
1031 Mr. J.P. WOOD, 63 Acadia Bay, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA R3T 3J1, CANADA
Researching the Wood family of Alnwick, Amble & Rothbury, 19th century. Particularly John
Wood, a slater, who married Elizabeth Scott, c.1835, and had children, James, Jock (who later
lived at Rothbury), Thomas (who later raised 14? children at Lisburn Villa, Alnwick), Mary,
Esther, Lizzie Ann, and Phillip Thew Scott (born North Sunderland, 1848). Mary married Jack
Stevenson and had children Jack (living in Alnwick in 1929), Lottie, and possibly others. Are
there any Stevenson kin now at Alnwick?
1033 Mrs J. DEARDEN, 1 Holly Court, Bewerley, HARROGATE, North Yorkshire HG3 5HY.
Interested in the Robson family of Annfield Plain, from c.1870 onwards. Edward Robson and
Jane Todd were married in S. Shields in 1860. There is a family tradition of a connection with
William Wouldhave who designed the first lifeboat. Also, Embleton in Wearmouth in the early
1800s. This family moved to Manchester. John Taylor (died Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1905), who
married Elizabeth White of Garrigill, Alston, c. 1870.
1036 Mrs M. GOULD, 68 Queens Drive, Walton, LIVERPOOL L4 6SJ
Researching Makepeace and James of Slaley, Robson of Newcastle and Gibson of Hexham.
1041 Mrs M. COATES, 30 Gillings Court, THIRSK, North Yorkshire Y07 1SZ.
Researching Sanderson, Milburn, Emerson & Kidd of Stanhope & Weardale, 17th & 18th
cents., Garthrop c.1700, Fletcher & Cocks (Sunderland 1800), Brownlee (Durham &
Northumberland, before 1850). Also, verification of the Gretna Green marriage of Emma or
Emily Hutton (b. 1817) to a Mr Gregory, reputedly a "Scottish Laird". She was the daughter of
James Hutton, a carpenter, and was a widow when she later married William Brownlee in 1848
at Medomsley. Were there any Gregory's with a store and property in Princes Street,
Edinburgh, c.1820-40?
1043 Miss E.M. JONES, 72 Manor Road, RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 1YB
Interested in George Carse, stone-mason, probably from N. Shields. His wife was Margaret
Wiseman, b. N. Shields, 9 Aug. 1814.
1044 Mr F. LEDGER, 1 Sheraton Close, SWINDON, Wiltshire SN3 4NG
Interested in Longstaff & Wilkinson of Newcastle-upon-Tyne area and Ledger of N.
Nottinghamshire, and anywhere before 1730. Would like to see a map of Jesmond, Newcastle,
where his grandparents were married in 1885.
1046 Mr M. MURRAY, 7 Claremont Terrace, Tunstall Road, SUNDERLAND, Tyne & Wear SR2
7LB
1047 Mrs J. SLY, 2 Zion Terrace, Fulwell, SUNDERLAND, Tyne & Wear SR5 1NG
1048 Mrs J. LANGLEY, Skein Winders House, Paxhill, Lindfield, HAYWARDS HEATH, West
Sussex RH16 2QX
1049 Mr J. HAVELOCK, 10 Elmwood Garth, Walton, WAKEFIELD, West Yorkshire WF2 6LR
1050 Mrs A. BURNICLE, 28 The Avenue, Nunthorpe Station, MIDDLESBROUGH, Cleveland
TS7 OAR
Researching any Burnicles/Burnikells in the Sunderland area from 1830 to the present day. In
particular, interested in the descendants of John & Ann Burnicle of Bishopwearmouth.
1051 Mrs. C. MASON, 20 Leedam Road, Northbourne, BOURNEMOUTH, Dorset BH10 6HP
1052 Mr K. SHORT, 28 Ladypool Close, HALESOWEN, West Midlands B62 8SY.
1053 Mrs M. MARSHALL, 20 Parkside, Ladgate Lane, MIDDLESBROUGH, Cleveland TS3 OBP.
Has researched locally: Baird (1843) and Birch (1841) of Middlesbrough & Darlington, and
Johnson, Robinson & Shaw of Gilling, near Richmond, Yorkshire, since the beginning of Parish
Registers. Would like to learn more of the Shuttleworth family of Weardale, particularly
Samuel Shuttleworth (a miner in 1867), and the Gordon family of Newcastle: Thomas Gordon
of New Road was a Tailor c. 1820.
1054 Dr J.O. HARLE, P.O. Box 279, VRYHEID, NATAL 3100, SOUTH AFRICA.
1055 Mr J.K. WATSON, "Freshfields", Station Rd., Bleasby, NOTTINGHAM NG14 7GD.
1056 Mr T.H.S. CURRY, 5 Cranfield Avenue, WIMBORNE, Dorset BH21 1TH.
Researching the Curry family. John of Kirkwhelpington, was born c. 1775 at Netherwitton, a
cooper by trade, as were many of the family. William, a gamekeeper, is a problem; there is no
record of his birth, 1829/33, at Stamfordham, or his marriage to Margaret Johnson of Brampton,
c. 1854, or his death. Family tradition has it that he was " killed by poachers" at Prudhoe.
1057 Mr D. OGLE, 4 Rodwell Avenue, Saltdean, BRIGHTON, East Sussex BN2 8LT.
children were Thomas, Elizabeth, George, Fenwick and Margaret.
1058 Mrs J. SUDDENS, 101 Brixham Drive, Wyken, COVENTRY, West Midlands CV2 3LP.
1059 Mrs M. MERCER (Nee PALMER), 18 Warkworth Road, Newton Hall, DURHAM CITY DH1
5PB.
1060 Mrs L. KIRK, 38 Chatswoth Road, Boyatt Wood, EASTLEIGH, Hampshire S05 4PE.
1061 Mr S.L. LAWSON, 119 North Allegany Street, CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND 21502,
UNITED STATES.
Interested in the Lawson and Robson families of County Durham. They lived in S. Hetton in
1841.
1062 Miss D.L. GORMLEY, Rt. No. 1- 8080 M, DELTA, OHIO 43515, UNITED STATES.
Interested in William Lassey, 3rd son of Lord & Lady Lassey (b. 17/5/1808, Leeds, Yorkshire).
He married Mary Graham (a gipsy Queen) and they had one son, Richard, b. 13/10/1832,
Leeds. They left England between 1832 and 1835 for the U.S.A., where their second son was
born.
1063 Mrs 1. HAWKINS, 3 Vicarage Gate, Onslow Village, GUILDFORD, Surrey GU2 5QJ.
Looking for the Heppell family, formerly of Newcastle and of Longbenton in the early 19th
century. They moved to Gateshead in the middle of the 19th century, and owned an iron
foundry. Eleanor Rae Henderson (b. 1836) married a Heppell c. 1850; she could be from
Gateshead, as she settled there on her marriage.
1064 Mrs B.D. DUNN, 41 St. John's Estate, South Broomhill, MORPETH, Nothumberland NE65
9RY.
1065 Mr R. SETTREY, 12 Maureen Avenue, Blackhall Rocks, HARTLEPOOL, Cleveland
TS27 4JF.
1066 Mrs T. BIRKBECK, 23 Oak Drive, Denton, MANCHESTER M34 2JR.
1067 Mr J.O. DE RUSETT, 5 Stratford Close, Beaconhill Green, CRAMLINGTON,
Northumberland NE23 8HW.
1068/9 Mr & Mrs J.B. DODDS, 18 Mitford Drive, ASHINGTON, Northumberland NE63 OLR.
1070 Mr R. HOWE, 22 Raven Lane, BILLERICAY, Essex CM12 OJA.
1071 Miss.1..L.BRUTON,57/,ZYcvunps.Roat,PwakiLr-a,,ATi00-ANa, NFW?F~,r 4An .
Interests are Civil. Hunter,. Allen,. and SterlingAJenrv Givil wac,ana nrPntire,i~ir~r_ir u~X ~,r
in 1861 and went to New Zealand with his wife and children in 1882. He left behind two brothers,
John and William, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Margaret, whose descendants are sought.
1072 Miss L.C. WINTER, 40 Lyonsdown Road, BARNET, Hertfordshire EN51JG.
SECOND TIME AROUND
0404 Mrs R.W. GRANT, 4250 North 350 West, OGDEN, UTAH 84404, UNITED STATES.
Interested in Whaley, Dury, Drury, and Bowman from the early 1700s.
0482 Maj. L.M. KENYON-FULLER, Arlaw Banks, Winston, DARLINGTON, County Durham
DL2 3PX.
Joseph Greenwell & Ann Burnside were married at Monkwearmouth, 14 Nov. 1803, and
described as "both of this Parish". Joseph is thought to have been baptised at either Pelton or
Lumley, and Ann at Sunderland or Monkwearmouth. Both baptisms are sought. Elizabeth
Maxwell (born Monkwearmouth, 16 July 1819) married Robert Forster at a date and place
unknown. The 1851 Census for Dalton-le-Dale shows them as living at Murton Colliery, Robert
being aged 38 and born at Sunderland. Would like particulars of this baptism and marriage. Also
seeking the baptisms and marriage of George Blakey, a moulder, and Jane Cordner, whose son
Thomas Cordner Blakey was born at Spit Head, Weardale, 9 Oct. 1853.
0529 Miss J. TILL, 14 Birch Avenue, Lepton, HUDDERSFIELD, West Yorkshire HD8 OHP.
Looking for the parents of William Ridley, who married Isabel Jopling at Stanhope Parish
Church, 23 May 1756. Isabel was baptised at Wolsingham in 1732, the daughter of Robert
Jopling. Also interested in anything on the Stanhope and Wolsingham Ridley connections.
0691 Mr J. TURNBULL, 2A Stowell Terrace, Felling, GATESHEAD, Tyne & Wear NE10 ONX.
Interested in the following: William Turnbull, born c. 1844, Gateshead; Ann Nettleship, born c.
1820, Beamish or Chester-le-Street - she married Henry Carr, a mariner, but where? and
when?; Henry Clasper, b. 1775, Newcastle area, parents of Henry Clasper and Mary Nesbit,
who married in 1770 at Gosforth; parents of William Crosby and Sarah Fletcher, who married in
Sunderland in 1831; parents of John Milne, a mariner, who married in Sunderland in 1833,
Pearson and Dickenson families from Alston. Does anyone know of Hannah Grey/Gray (nee
Pearson), who emigrated to Australia at the end of the 19th Century?
0925 Mr I. APPLEGARTH, 59 Happy Valley Caravan Park, HARTLEPOOL, Cleveland TS24
9RF.
Would like the birth, believed to be in Sunderland, of Sarah Donald, daughter of Robert, a
shipwright, c. 1821-22. Also, that of Isabella Jane Harbron, daughter of Joseph, a shoemaker, c.
1850-52.
0958 Mr. E.W. CORBY, 21 Durham Terrace, Framwellgate Moor, DURHAM CITY DH1 5EH.
Interested in any reference to Corby's, and esp. those from Hett in the 16th/17th centuries. The
earliest known is Ralph, of Hett near Durham City, who may have had brothers or sons other
than the one Gerard, who had 7 children, but all were priests or nuns or died in infancy so he had
no grandchildren.
OFFERS O F HELP
1009 Mr M.R. KIRBY, 40 Keswick Drive, Cullercoats, NORTH SHIELDS, Tyne & Wear NE30
3EW.
Will help anyone with interests in Northumberland in return for help in North Yorkshire.
1031 Mr J.P. WOOD, 63 Acadia Bay, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA R3T 3J1, CANADA.
Would like some general information about the Alnwick, Amble, Rothbury and Wooler areas,
and will give assistance to members interested in the Winnipeg area.
1044 Mr F. LEDGER, 1 Sheraton Close, SWINDON, Wiltshire SN3 4NG.
Offers help in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and North Wiltshire and would like help with
research in the North-East.
1062 Mrs D.L. GORMLEY, Rt 1- 8080M, DELTA, OHIO 43515, UNITED STATES.
Will research in courthouses, libraries etc, in the Fulton, Lucas, and Wood counties of Ohio,
and Lenawee and Monroe counties in Michigan.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS
0021 Mrs M.A. COOKE, 9 Grenville Road, KINGSTON, ONTARIO K7M 2C7, CANADA.
0324 Mr P.J. CRAGGS, Woodford Moat House, Oak Hill, WOODFORD GREEN, Essex IG8
9NY.
0779 Mrs S.L. MARSHALL, 3608 Belmont Road, COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 83814, UNITED
STATES.
0793 Mrs D. PERLEY, "Riverlea", Teesbank Avenue, Eaglescliffe, STOCKTON-ON-TEES,
Cleveland TS16 9AY.
0800 Mrs A.E. CRABBE, 15 Balmoral Road, DIDCOT, Oxfordshire OX11 8TY.
0807 Mr W.R. PARLIAMENT, 406/350 Seneca Hill Drive, WILLOWDENE, ONTARIO M2J 487,
CANADA.
1009 Mr M.R. KIRBY, 40 Keswick Drive, Cullercoats, NORTH SHIELDS, Tyne & Wear NE30
3EW.